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Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do notrapidly spin the
tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury or property
damage. Do not allow anyone to stand near, or directly ahead or
behind the spinning tire.
Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h (35 mph) point
indicated on the speedometer.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
Note:Do not use snow chains on front tires of Harley-Davidson vehicles.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Step bars
Tonneau covers
Truck caps
Wheels
Interior style
Cell phone holders
Consoles
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Interior trim kits
Leather wrapped steering wheels
Scuff plates
Speed control
Lifestyle
Bedliners and bedmats
Bed tents
Bike racks
Cargo organization and management
Diamond plate accessories
Engine block heaters and blankets
Rear seat entertainment systems
Toolboxes
Towing mirrors
TracRac and accessories
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
297
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Power door locks ..................73, 79
Power point .................................55
Power steering ..........................130
fluid, checking and adding ....256
fluid, refill capacity ................278
fluid, specifications .........281, 284
Power Windows ...........................55
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................131
R
Radio ....................19, 21, 23, 26, 30
Relays ........................................193
Remote entry system .................75
illuminated entry ......................78
locking/unlocking doors ...........73
Reverse sensing system ...........141
Roadside assistance ..................191
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........103
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...91–95, 97
Safety defects, reporting ..........224
Safety restraints ....................91–97
belt minder ...............................99
extension assembly ................103
for adults .............................92–95
for children .............................113
lap belt ......................................98
safety belt maintenance .........103
warning light and chime ..........99
Safety seats for children ..........116
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............91
Seats ............................................84child safety seats ....................116
cleaning ...................................229
Servicing your vehicle ..............232
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................21
AM/FM/CD .................................26
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................30
Premium In-dash Six CD .........33
Snowplowing .................8, 187–190
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........199
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................277, 284
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
four-wheel drive vehicles .......189
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................281, 284
Speed control ..............................59
Starting your
vehicle ........................124–125, 127
jump starting ..........................209
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................51
T
Tailgate ........................................72
Tilt steering wheel ......................51
Tires ...........................................264
changing ..................199, 201, 208
snow tires and chains ............276
tire grades ...............................265
treadwear ................................264
Towing .......................................162
trailer towing ..........................162
wrecker ....................................214
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
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Traction-lok rear axle ...............131
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................262
Transmission
automatic operation .........51, 132
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....132
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................258
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................261
fluid, refill capacities ..............278
lubricant specifications ..281, 284
manual operation ....................138
Turn signal ..................................43
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................284Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................293
Vehicle loading ..........................159
Ventilating your vehicle ...........128
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................235
Water, Driving through .............158
Windows
power .........................................55
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................50
checking and adding fluid .....235
replacing wiper blades .............50
Wrecker towing .........................214
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
304